Eclectic Bookshelf for the Golden Season: What to read in the Autumn of 2017

What is Autumn associated with for you? For me, it is associated with shorter days and longer nights. Also it is associated with more indoor time, after dark hours and as a result, with more time for reading.

It is interesting why we, people, prefer more to read books in the cooler seasons than in summer. Yes, we do read in summer too, but it is more a leisure reading, that includes articles and magazines about daily getaways, outdoor festivals and recreational activities. But when the calendar turns over to September 1st, that is it, mentally we feel that the summer is over, and it is time for more deep and serious reading.

Whether it is a mental habit that stayed with us since the school days or there is a scientific explanation to that, the fact is that we read more after summer season, and I think it is wonderful!

Of course, countries like Australia and New Zealand that live on a clockwise direction (I say it with love, dear, southerners) or in countries where summer never ends, citizens do not feel that change of season that strong, as for example in Europe or Russia, but you understand what I am talk about.

For your Autumn reading list I prepared six great books, all of which I have personally read and truly enjoyed. It was a matter of days to finish one book and then start another, so I read these books within two months! I feel a little bit jealous of you now, as you will experience the joy of reading it for the first time that I have experienced already. But in Eclectic Life, we constantly expand and share our knowledge and findings so I am looking forward to share my Eclectic Bookshelf List for Winter 2017/2018. As of now...

Book 1. Chodron, Pema. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind, 2013.

A very easy and light book about meditation. Pema Chodron does not burden the reader with unnecessary advice about how to do it correctly. Is there any correct way to meditate? Instead by examples she explains how to "feel" the practice in a way that will surprise you.

Anyone can enjoy this book and here I am talking about people who have never practiced meditation in their life and practitioners who have been doing it for years.

Book 2. Vodolazkin, Eugene. Laurus, 2012.

Russian literature is famous for its deep, philosophical and truth-telling classic novels. The book Laurus is one of them. I think that for people who are not familiar with the Russian culture, this book might be hard to understand and feel. Certain details of the cultural and human behavior might look odd or questionable. But if the reader is ready to immerse themselves into the story, the deep personal reflection on life's most important questions such as human relations will make you grow as a human being.

The story will bring you back to XV Century Kiev Rus, where the main character dedicated his life to wash away a deceased woman's sin and heal everyone who asks him for it.

Book 3. Morton, Andrew. Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography, 2008.

This revealing biography book is about Tom Cruise's life. The author heavily talks about Scientology, uncovering ugly and even scary facts about this "religion" and how everyone and Tom Cruise were treated there. If you have ever had an interest in the life story of Tom Cruise, or would like to know how Hollywood actors make their way to Hollywood, then this is the book to read. This is not a pretty biography, leaving a somewhat a bitter aftertaste about Tom Cruise and his relationships with the world.

Book 4. Coehlo, Paulo. The Devil and Miss Prym, 2000.

If you are familiar with Mr. Coehlo's style, then you know that his books widely expand on the theme between good and bad, strength and weakness, happiness and torture.

This book is about two main characters representing devil and angel. The fascination of the story made me go back to the question about human nature and the question if money really is the answer to everything? The author captured the truth in the simple dialogues and easy to read chapters.

Book 5. Brauen, Yangzom. Across Many Mountains: A Tibetan Family's Epic Journey from Oppression to Freedom, 2011.

The book is written in a memoir format allowing the reader to become part of the Tibetan family who was forced to escape their homeland due to the invasion of the Chinese government and the brutal breaking of the peaceful Tibetan life. Emotional involvement is incredible and I appreciate the author for the easy language and non-judgmental narration. It is what it is!

You will learn about Tibet and the history of Tibetan culture, people and relationship between Tibet's neighboring countries. The story is not heavy to read and yet it will touch you.

Book 6. Elbe, Lili. Man Into Woman: The First Sex Change, 1933.

If you saw "The Danish Girl" movie, which is based on this novel and the more recent novel "the Danish Girl," and you were mesmerized by the story and the actors play, than imagine the double dose of emotions you are going to feel when you will read this book!

I recommend the original story from 1933, because Lili Elbe (the main character) is the actual author of the novel so the story turns more into biography. The author describes her emotions, thoughts and struggles very precisely making the story undeniably personal and intimate. In spite of the heartbreaking and sad story, the book is easy to read.

Please Enjoy and Have a Wonderful Reading Time!